Microcomputers are more com­monly known as personal comput­ers. The term PC often denotes microcomputers that are either IBM-PCs or compatibles. The term can also refer to personal comput­ers made by other manufacturers, such as Apple. Desktop computers are the most common type of personal computer.

* Notebook computers (laptops) are used by people who need portable computing power outside the office or away from home.

* Handheld personal computers are the smallest computing devices. They lack the power of a desktop or notebook PC, but they offer specialized features for users who need only limited functions and small size